Newborn hiccups are a common and usually harmless occurrence that can be a source of curiosity and sometimes concern for new parents. According to Ameera Nauman, MD, a pediatrician with OSF Medical Group – Pediatrics, “Hiccups in newborns are normal. Generally, they’re very mild, and they usually go away after a few minutes.” Understanding why these hiccups happen and how to manage them can provide reassurance and practical steps for parents.
The Science Behind Newborn Hiccups
Hiccups are essentially spasms of the diaphragm, a large muscle located beneath the lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing. When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts, allowing air to fill the lungs. When you exhale, it relaxes, pushing air out. Normally, these movements are rhythmic and smooth. However, when this rhythm is disrupted, it leads to hiccups.
During a hiccup, the vocal cords suddenly close after each diaphragmatic contraction, creating the characteristic “hic” sound. In newborns, these spasms are often triggered by specific factors related to their feeding habits and developing digestive systems.
“With newborns, hiccups mostly happen because of eating,” Dr. Nauman explains. “The baby might eat a little too fast or a little too much. Their belly gets full and starts to touch the diaphragm and cause those spasms. Sometimes, they ingest air while taking a bottle or breastfeeding. Sometimes, there’s a little reflux involved.”
Effective Ways to Stop Baby Hiccups
When faced with a hiccupping newborn, parents often seek quick remedies. While adults might try holding their breath or drinking water, these methods aren’t suitable for infants. Dr. Nauman advises focusing on the root cause of newborn hiccups to alleviate them.
The most effective way to get rid of baby hiccups is often through burping. Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, burping helps release trapped air in the baby’s stomach, which can be pressing on the diaphragm.
For breastfeeding mothers, it’s recommended to burp the baby when switching breasts. If you are bottle-feeding, burp your baby approximately halfway through the feeding.
“Sometimes, the baby needs a break so their tummy has time to digest. When they stop feeding and relax, they’ll stop hiccupping,” Dr. Nauman adds. Taking a pause during feeding allows the baby’s stomach to settle and can naturally resolve the hiccups.
Preventing Hiccups in Newborns
Prevention is always better than cure. There are several steps parents can take to minimize the occurrence of hiccups in their newborns. Understanding the triggers is key to implementing preventative measures.
Adults are generally aware of hiccup triggers like overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol. While newborns aren’t exposed to the latter triggers, their feeding habits play a significant role.
When bottle-feeding, Dr. Nauman recommends ensuring the bottle is properly filled with milk, minimizing air in the nipple. For breastfeeding, achieving a good latch is crucial to prevent the baby from swallowing excess air. “If breastfeeding, make sure the baby’s lips are really latched on.”
After feeding, avoid laying the baby down immediately. Keeping the baby upright for about 15 to 20 minutes aids digestion and reduces the likelihood of hiccups. Gently rubbing the baby’s back during this time can also be soothing and help prevent hiccups.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Baby Hiccups
While newborn hiccups are typically benign and resolve on their own, there are instances when persistent hiccups might indicate an underlying issue. According to Dr. Nauman, hiccups themselves do not cause any physical harm to the baby, even if they last for an extended period of 10 minutes or more.
However, parents should be observant of other accompanying symptoms. “Hiccups can be a little more concerning if the child also has other signs, such as being really fussy or arching their back a lot while feeding or after feeding,” Dr. Nauman cautions. These signs, along with frequent spitting up or reflux, could suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive discomforts.
It’s important to monitor the baby’s weight gain, particularly if they exhibit signs of reflux along with persistent hiccups. If you have any concerns about your baby’s hiccups, especially if they seem uncomfortable or if the hiccups are persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician for professional advice and reassurance. “If you’re concerned or your baby is uncomfortable, then call your pediatrician. Generally, hiccups are very mild and they go away. But if you’re concerned with persistent hiccups, discuss that with your pediatrician.”
Last Updated: May 29, 2024
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